A reminder: They have screened close to 20 dogs and have 10 qualified so far for the trial so plenty of room for more. If you have a dog with SM please contact them about getting on the trial! Your dog will be maintained on a pain medication in addition to the trial medication thus will not be placed only on a placebo. This is a really important study and key to licensing some possible pain medications for veterinary use.

If you are in the UK please print out the information and drop by your vets or any area vets as this programme would be very helpful for many people and their cavaliers:

The Neurology Dept. of the Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire
is running a trial to test a new pain relief drug for dogs with SM.
The RVC are looking for dogs diagnosed with SM, or displaying
symptoms. They will give free MRIs for cavaliers that fit their
criteria. Anyone interested should contact them directly about this
confidential trial for more information. This is what they say on
their website:

Syringomyelia (SM) is a common disease in Cavalier King Charles
Spaniels (CKCS) which is characterised by
the formation of fluid filled cavity, called a syrnix within the
spinal cord. These cavities form due to an alteration
in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and can cause damage to the
spinal cord which results in neuropathic
pain. This pain is difficult to control and is often characterised by
scratching on one side and heightened
sensitivity to touch.

The aim of this clinical trial is to assess the therapeutic value of
a novel pharmacological agent in CKCS with
Syringomyelia. Dogs enrolled onto the study will be treated with this
novel agent, given orally, for 14 days.
We anticipate that this novel agent will ease clinical signs and
offer a therapeutic advantage over current
analgesic regimes.

Eligibility Requirements

• CKCS with SM confirmed by a MRI within 8 months prior to enrolment
• Clinical Signs of
o Scratching
o Pain
o Sensitivity to Touch
• Dogs must weigh 4Kg-12Kg
• Dogs must be aged 1yr – 10yrs
• Dogs currently on other pain medications are still eligible but a
changeover programme will be
implemented.

Unfortunately no dogs intended for breeding (within 6 months of
completing the study) or with concurrent
medical conditions including epilepsy and ear disease are eligible
for the study.

Client Incentive

• Free MRI, CSF, pre-anaesthetic blood profile and neurological
evaluation if this has not been performed
in the last 8 months.
• Post study incentive: veterinary care voucher to be used towards
treatment of the condition.